Darnell played
violin in W. C. Handy's Orchestra in Memphis and appeared on his first New
York recordings in 1917. in 1921 he returned to Chicago where he set up his own
band and played with Junie Cobb and his former tutor Charlie Elgar at the
Dreamland Ballroom. He toured Europe in 1923 with James P. Johnson's
Plantation Days Review Band and then again in 24 with The Singing
Syncopators. In the late 20s, Darnell returned to Chicago, playing with many
bands including Carroll Dickerson's and Dave Peyton's bands. Most notable
during this time was his work with King Oliver's Dixie Syncopators where
he played alongside musicians such as Albert Nicholas and Barney
Bigard. In the mid 20s Darnell toured Asia with Teddy Weatherford with a
memorable visit to Shanghai. On his return, he rejoined many of his former
bands and set up his own quartet, playing at the Club Arlington where he
introduced a first time band member, 17 year old Sid Catlett.

In
1928 he spent a year with Jimmy Wade's Dixielanders and then another year with
his old friend Dave Peyton. After a short period with Jerome Carrington,
Darnell accepted a place in Earl Hine's Big Band in 1931, where he stayed
for 6 years. He played mostly sax and violin during this time, and when
their venue at the Grand Terrace was closed for the summer, he took a
small group from the Hine's band on tour with him. On leaving Earl Hine's
band, he played with Fletcher Henderson and Coleman Hawkins before setting up
his own band in 1943. For a short time in the early 40s, Darnell tired of
the constant traveling and took some time out, making a living as a shop
keeper. 45 saw him make a trip to California where he played and recorded
with Kid Ory's band, returning to Chicago late in the year to play, not
exclusively, with Doc Evans. He moved out to California in 1948 to join
Muggsy Spanier, staying with the band for 5 years. Restless again, Darnell
left Spanier and spent 2 years playing with many different leaders
including Bob Scoby and Jimmy Archey.

Moving to San Francisco in
1955, Darnell became part of Earl Hines Dixieland Band, playing at the
hangover club, where he stayed for 7 years, leaving the band only due to
illness. on his recovery, he recorded 2 excellent albums with Don
Ewell before working with Elmer Snowden and Burt Bales. In 1966 he made
his last tour of Europe with The New Orleans All-Stars, but he became ill
with a brain tumor on his return to America. Darnell died on 2nd September
1966.

Darnell Howard was
born on 25th July 1895 in Chicago Illinois. His parents were both
musicians, so were keen to start him on the violin at age 7, encouraging him to
add clarinet and saxophone shortly after. He began playing professionally
whilst still at school, joining John H. Wickcliffe's Ginger Orchestra in
1913 for 3 years. By this time he was developing his own style of playing,
displaying a very sweet tone, often compared to that of Jimmy
Noone.